Deconstruction of stranded barge progressing at Vancouver's English Bay
The deconstruction of the barge that floated into Vancouver’s English Bay last year and got stuck is now underway.
The large container drifted into the shore near Sunset Beach during an intense storm last November, and has stayed put ever since.
Now, Vancouver Pile Driving (Van Pile) has confirmed in an online video that it’s now beginning the removal process.
Project manager Ian Purvis said the deconstruction will take 12 to 14 weeks.
On Friday, some of the initial work was visible, with one of the barge's end walls completely gone, and part of a side wall removed as well.
An excavator was seen parked inside the container, while a large crane was also on site before being floated out in the early evening.
The barge’s presence has been a controversial topic among Vancouver residents.
Many have stopped along the seawall to snap a picture or two, but others who live nearby say the removal process is long over due.
"I think it's time it went," West End resident Bill Disbrow told CTV News. "There was a cool factor to it in the beginning, Barge Chilling Beach and all that, but I think it's time. It's a bit of an eye sore … Just get it out of here."
Others, however, are sad to see it go.
"I love it, all my neighbours are going to hate me for saying that, but I think it's fantastic,” said Suzanne Steele, who also lives nearby.
“I really do think it actually has added a lot to the neighbourhood,” said Steele.
The City of Vancouver told CTV News it is seeking reimbursements from the barge's owner for security costs from November 2021 to January 2022.
However, it says the company has covered all costs since January, and will pay all the deconstruction fees.
Van Pile says the barge removal will not cause any disruptions to the seawall.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Vatican shelves sexual assault probe into Cardinal Marc Ouellet
There is not enough evidence to open a formal church investigation into sexual assault allegations against Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Pope Francis said Thursday. The pontiff issued his statement through Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See press office.
Closed-door national security committee of parliamentarians reviewing spyware use
Parliament's top-secret national security committee is launching a review into federal agencies' ability to intercept private communications, on the heels of the RCMP revealing it has been using spyware as part of major investigations, for decades.
Advocates say use of NDAs should be banned in sexual misconduct settlements
In the wake of the Hockey Canada scandal, some advocates are calling for the use of non-disclosure agreements to be banned or restricted in settlement agreements in cases involving abuse.
BREAKING
BREAKING | Trump Organization CFO pleads guilty in tax evasion case
A top executive at former U.S. President Donald Trump's family business pleaded guilty Thursday to evading taxes in a deal with prosecutors that could potentially make him a star witness against the company at a trial this fall.
Majority of people with Omicron don't know they have it: study
A new study has found that more than half of people infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 were unaware they had it. Undiagnosed infections could be the reason why the variant spread so rapidly, according to researchers.
Canada-wide shortage of liquid Children's Tylenol now also impacting chewables
A nationwide shortage of liquid Children’s Tylenol is also impacting generic chewables, with Quebec-based Laboratoire Riva reporting a shortage due to rising demand.
Ukraine's Zelenskyy hosts talks with UN chief, Turkey leader
Turkey's president and the UN chief met with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy on Thursday in a high-stakes bid to ratchet down a war raging for nearly six months, boost desperately needed grain exports and secure the safety of Europe's biggest nuclear power plant.
Ontario releases plan to stabilize health-care system amid bed and staffing shortages
The next phase of Ontario's 'Plan to Stay Open' involves transferring of seniors from hospital to alternative long-term care homes, the hiring of thousands of health-care workers and a pledge to reduce surgical backlog.
No drugs, just lots of dancing at 'wild' party: Finland PM Sanna Marin
Finland's prime minister says she did not take any drugs during a 'wild' party in a private home, adding she did nothing wrong when letting her hair down and partying with friends.
Vancouver Island
-
Cliff jumper suffers serious injuries in plunge at Comox Lake
A 20-year-old man was airlifted to hospital Tuesday after he suffered serious injuries while cliff jumping at Comox Lake, near Cumberland, B.C. Firefighters and paramedics were called to a spot known as Devil's Ladder, a 30-metre rock face that has long attracted adventure-seekers.
-
'We can just be people again:' Inmates at Saanich jail carve totem pole as healing step
Behind the walls of a jail in Saanich, B.C., there are people working on a totem pole. Since last summer, some 70 inmates have chipped away at the pole at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre. It's a project they say gives them a moment to forget they're locked up.
-
E-bike stolen from Nanaimo hospital worker while on shift
Nanaimo RCMP are looking for a stolen e-bike that was swiped outside of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital on Wednesday night.
Calgary
-
Woman killed, man injured in early morning Evergreen shooting
Calgary police are investigating a shooting in the community of Evergreen that left one person dead and another fighting for their life.
-
Flames reportedly near deal with Nazem Kadri
There is news of a big move involving the Calgary Flames as star centre Nazem Kadri is expected to have signed a lengthy deal with the team.
-
Airdrie Urgent Care Centre to resume weekend evening operations
Staffing shortages were blamed for a reduction in hours at the facility that saw the urgent care centre closed between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Edmonton
-
Edmonton activates emergency weather response with hot weekend ahead
The city has activated its extreme weather response to keep vulnerable people safe during the hot weather forecasted over the weekend.
-
2 charged in glasses heist from Fort Saskatchewan business, 1 still at large
Two people have been arrested and charged after more than $50,000 in frames were stolen from a Fort Saskatchewan eye care clinic earlier this week.
-
Motorcyclist airlifted from scene of Highway 16 crash
A motorcyclist was flown by STARS to a hospital in Edmonton Wednesday night after a crash with a motorhome on Highway 16 east of Edmonton.
Toronto
-
Ontario releases plan to stabilize health-care system amid bed and staffing shortages
The next phase of Ontario's 'Plan to Stay Open' involves transferring of seniors from hospital to alternative long-term care homes, the hiring of thousands of health-care workers and a pledge to reduce surgical backlog.
-
Here's the reaction to Ontario's health-care system changes
Ontario health-care workers, advocates and politicians say they are "deeply troubled" by the slew of health-care and long-term care announcements released Thursday.
-
Ontario police warn fraudsters are posing as fire personnel, selling fake 'safety kits'
An Ontario police force is warning of a new scam in which fraudsters are allegedly posing as fire officials and attempting to sell fake “safety kits.”
Montreal
-
2 dead in Laurentians in presumed domestic violence, children in youth protection
A case of alleged domestic violence has left two people dead and two children in youth protection in Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac.
-
Vatican shelves sexual assault probe into Cardinal Marc Ouellet
There is not enough evidence to open a formal church investigation into sexual assault allegations against Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Pope Francis said Thursday. The pontiff issued his statement through Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See press office.
-
Quebec COVID-19 vaccinations increase as infection rates remain stable
The number of Quebecers receiving treatment for COVID-19 has increased by eight, according to public health officials.
Winnipeg
-
Eviction warnings handed to longtime Manitoba legislature encampments
Eviction warnings have been given to two longtime encampments on the Manitoba legislature grounds.
-
Suspects riding ATV shot 4-year-old girl: Manitoba RCMP
The Manitoba RCMP alleges that a four-year-old girl was shot by two suspects riding around on an ATV in Norway House on Tuesday.
-
'We feel settled': Pukatawagan residents to return home thanks to temporary generators
A community in northern Manitoba evacuated over a month ago due to the threat of wildfire can return home thanks to the installation of a pair of temporary generators.
Saskatoon
-
Province, VIDO encourage booster doses as COVID-19 is once again on the rise
University of Saskatchewan researchers say the viral load of COVID-19 in Saskatoon’s wastewater has shown a week-over-week increase the past month, potentially meaning cases of the virus are on the rise.
-
Saskatoon Sundog Arts and Entertainment Faire cancelled
The Saskatoon Sundog event has been cancelled for 2022.
-
Sask. RCMP warning of text message scam
Saskatchewan RCMP is warning people of a text message came happening around the province.
Regina
-
Here's how many parking tickets have been issued in Regina this year
The number of parking tickets issued in Regina through the first six months of the year is up 115 per cent from 2021 levels.
-
Saskatchewan to send patients to Alberta for privatized surgery; won't pay for travel
Saskatchewan plans to send people to Alberta to get privatized surgeries, but the cost of travel won't be covered by the government.
-
'Step in the right direction': Sask. government works to end healthcare disruption in Balcarres
The Town of Balcarres has been delivered a new set of promises from the provincial government regarding the reopening of the lab department at the Balcarres Integrated Care Centre.
Atlantic
-
Saint John Police investigating Wednesday afternoon homicide
Police say three unidentified masked men with dark clothing forced their way into an apartment where 39-year-old Justin David Breau was stabbed. The suspects ran away towards Garden Street before police arrived.
-
Number of New Brunswickers waiting in hospital for nursing home beds increases, again
Despite promises that it’s a priority, the number of people, mostly seniors, waiting in New Brunswick hospitals for a nursing home bed has increased, according to numbers collected by the Coalition for Seniors’ Rights.
-
Pain, fever medicines for children scarce on pharmacy shelves
The IWK Health Centre says its inpatient and emergency supplies of liquid acetaminophen and ibuprofen products is adequate.
London
-
London man arrested in St. Catherines after armed robbery in North Bay: Police
A London, Ont. man has been arrested in St. Catherines in relation to an armed robbery in North Bay. On Aug. 16, Niagara Regional Police Service notified officers in St. Catherines that a wanted person may be in the area. On Aug. 17, police found and arrested a suspect in the area of Montebello Park, in St. Catharines.
-
Woodstock man charged after witnesses report explosions
Just after 5 a.m. on Wednesday, and again around 10:30 p.m., police responded to a parking lot at the intersection of Wilson Street and Peel Street to investigate a weapons-related call.
-
Two people, one horse injured following Elgin County crash
OPP in Elgin County are on scene of a crash involving an electric bike and a pickup truck hauling a livestock trailer. According to police, two people and one horse were injured in the crash that happened just after 7 a.m. at a Lyons Line, Malahide Township address
Northern Ontario
-
Northern Ont. MPP begs province to stop the closure remote community's only health care option
With another small northern Ontario community set to lose its only health care provider at the end of the month, Nickel Belt MPP France Gelinas is begging the province for help.
-
Majority of people with Omicron don't know they have it: study
A new study has found that more than half of people infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 were unaware they had it. Undiagnosed infections could be the reason why the variant spread so rapidly, according to researchers.
-
As home prices drop, here's what you can get in Canada's most affordable markets
CTVNews.ca has compiled a list of homes in some of the most affordable regions across Canada, as many real estate markets see drops in average prices.
Kitchener
-
Woodstock man charged in connection to explosives investigation
An investigation into reports of explosions has resulted in a Woodstock man’s arrest.
-
'It's never been enough': ODSP recipients struggle to make ends meet
Earlier this week, the Ontario government announced it is following through with an earlier promise to bolster the support people receive through ODSP, but advocates say the government needs to do more to address the living wage gap those living on ODSP face.
-
Ontario releases plan to stabilize health-care system amid bed and staffing shortages
The next phase of Ontario's 'Plan to Stay Open' involves transferring of seniors from hospital to alternative long-term care homes, the hiring of thousands of health-care workers and a pledge to reduce surgical backlog.